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Meet the next generation of “Cabaret” actors

Audrey Dwyer
Actor David Jolly plays the part of Ariel while rehearsing for this year's Cabaret Tuesday. The opening show of this year's Rockin The Boat: Cabaret 2017 is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Chief Theatre in downtown Steamboat Springs. Shows are also planned for Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets may still be available at www.chieftheater.com.
John F. Russell

— The “Cabaret” cast and crew will be rockin’ the ‘Boat and shaking things up a bit this year.

Though the names and faces have changed over the past 35 years, the Steamboat Springs Arts Council production of “Cabaret: Rockin’ the ‘Boat” will feature youngsters who once sat in the audience. Now, it’s time for their debut.

Speaking the universal language of laughter, the cast and crew will present the mud season tradition of unsparing critiques and satirical comedy known simply as Cabaret to locals, starting with productions at 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday continuing at 6 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Chief Theater.



To find out who these new characters are, Explore Steamboat went behind the scenes to introduce a few of the faces who represent the next generation of “Cabaret.”

Calder Young

First year



Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

CY: I don’t really have a dream to sing and dance on stage. But it’s just fun to be involved in different things. I think that’s what makes Steamboat pretty cool is that there are a lot of different things to get involved in. I’ve never done it before but I’m involved with the Chief Players, so I thought it was time to give Cabaret a try.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

CY: People have been doing “Cabaret” for years, and it’s become this tradition in town. It’s given people a voice. There’s a chance for people to write and be on stage, to do something they’ve never done before.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

CY: Things are possible when people get together and focus on something. That’s what happens here and you don’t get to see that in too many places.

ES: What will people be surprised by compared to past “Cabaret” shows?

CY: I think on some level “Cabaret” is something that will always bring people back to the roots of what Steamboat is. There is a really strong sense of community here with people who have these thoughts and ideas they want to share. While catering to all the visitors who frequent the town, I think people sometimes forget there is a core group of people who exist here.

Katie Moore

Third year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

KM: I was 16 when I got to go to my first “Cabaret” show. Growing up in Steamboat, either my parents or their friends always attended “Cabaret” or were in the cast. At that show, my friend and I were the youngest people to attend (her mom was in the show.) I told myself then that I would someday be part of “Cabaret” because it was the funniest thing my adolescent self had ever seen.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

KM: I love that “Cabaret” is a group of mismatched people who come together and somehow manage to get along and make this production work in a matter of days. The youngest person is 19 I think and then we have Ann Ross who is in her 80s maybe 90s.

We have people who have done theater their whole lives and people who have never held a microphone. Many of us have very little in common. It’s so cool that we get to know each other in this way. Outside of the theater, we would never come together as a group.

ES: What will people be surprised by compared to past “Cabaret” shows?

KM: The first year I was in “Cabaret,” I was one of three new people in the cast and probably the youngest person there. This year, over half of our cast is brand new to “Cabaret” — new faces, new ideas, new jokes and new directors in training. I feel like “Cabaret” has been given an entire facelift. I think it will only get better as the years pass.

Michael DeNova

First year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

MD: I’ve always liked comedy and thought this would be a great way to get myself out there, meet new people and have a good time.

ES: What will people be surprised by compared to past “Cabaret” shows?

MD: The wide range of talent and content of the skits. With the new generation of “Cabaret” coming into the picture, I think that helps ensure the future of the production but also, it provides a great variety from talented people of all ages. It brings a show that provides something for everybody in the audience, not just young or old.

Sarah Laping Garland

First year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

SLG: I am part of the Chief Players but had never been in “Cabaret.” Everyone said it’s this whole new thing, and I wanted to give it a try. Everyone becomes so close, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

ES: What is it that you love about “Cabaret?”

SLG:I love how it really brings out the many talents in this town. It’s fast paced, everyone has to be flexible and on their game at the same time. It’s a lot like a thunderstorm, a little chaotic and scary, but overall is beautiful and makes me feel alive.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

SLG:I didn’t realize how many creative, amazing writers were in this town. At auditions, I was blown away by the talent I saw through the skits and songs written by Steamboat and about Steamboat.

Carolyn Berns

Second year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

CB: For me it was just the beginning of something wonderful, and the fact that it was finally an outlet where I knew the arts community existed in Steamboat. It was having that sense of this is where I am meant to be. I knew it was the beginning of something wonderful.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

CB: This has been the best experience I’ve ever had in Steamboat, and I’ve been here for 15 years. I was able to start playing the violin again, and I’ve made the best of friends. Really. The theater has become my home now.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

CB: Everybody has a place, and everybody is involved. Not one person is left out. It’s very fast paced, and we are all rehearsing for the same goal, which is to put on a good show.

Vivian Boza

First year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

VB: I saw the Super Fun Show and wanted to get involved and be part of the theater community because it looked like so much fun.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

VB: I love the energy from rehearsal; the rules of “Cabaret” are unlike anything else. It has originality; it’s inclusive and tons of fun.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

VB:When we’re in rehearsals, it’s a very intensive week of rehearsals. But it’s also very fun, and I think that’s where the bonding part of this experience comes from. It’s a lot of work but the fun experience and the cast makes it so much easier. I learned how to roll with the punches, to show up and to smile.

Halea Nudy

First year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

HN: I haven’t missed a “Cabaret” show since I moved here four years ago. But, I’ve never thought to actually be on stage instead of in the audience. I’m absolutely terrified, but that’s why I need to do it.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

HN: It’s really a place where you don’t have to worry about being goofy. This cast has really taken me under their wing and allowed everyone to be themselves, there’s no judgment. I’m able to be on stage, have fun and be someone who I totally didn’t think I ever would be.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

HN:I’ve never been on stage before, so to get up on stage and do this in front of all of these people that was hard to overcome initially. But I learned that it’s not about me up there on stage, it’s more about making people laugh and having fun.

ES:What will people be surprised by compared to past “Cabaret” shows?

HN:There is so much talent in the show with a lot of really great acts and songs. People will love the irony of it. It’s great satire poking fun of a place we love.

Chris Wadopian

Second year

Explore Steamboat: What inspired you to be in “Cabaret?”

CW: Watching the productions at the Chief Theater and being a member of The Chief Players is what inspired me to join the Cabaret crew. I had been in several musical and dramatic productions throughout high school, so I have always loved being on stage. When I saw how talented our local community theater group is, and how much fun they were all having, I was enthralled.

ES: What do you love about “Cabaret?”

CW:I am awe struck that a group this size is able to pull it together for a few long nights in a row. The end result is something that keeps the audience on their toes and laughing hysterically.

ES: What is something you learned that you didn’t really expect?

CW:How to dance to “Foot Loose” As long as people realize that “learn” has a very loose definition in this situation. Now, I’m not intimidated to look foolish dancing to Foot Loose.

ES:What will people be surprised by compared to past “Cabaret” shows?

CW: The cast and crew keep getting younger, and bigger. The talent just keeps getting better and better. But the biggest surprise, is that we went really light on the political bashing this year.

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@steamboattoday.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1


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